Category Archives: K-State Extension
Southwind District Compete at Hutchinson
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Southwind Extension District 4-H members from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho, and Woodson County’s competed Sunday, September 11 at the Kansas State Fair Photography Judging Contest in Hutchinson.
The intermediate team included Jackson Han, Austin Maycumber, Derek Jones, and Jeremiah Jones placed 8th in the state.
The senior team included Abigail Meiwes, Grant Stockebrand, Josiah Stockebrand, and Judah Stockebrand placed 8th in the state.
They were accompanied by their coach Terri Kretzmeier.
Resources and Action Steps for Suicide Prevention Month
Resources and Action Steps for Suicide Prevention Month
By Clara Wicoff
Southwind Extension District
Two weeks ago, I attended an agent update in Manhattan where I was presented with some sobering statistics about youth depression and suicide in the state of Kansas. According to a 2022 report from the Kansas Communities That Care student survey, nearly one in three youth surveyed in Kansas responded “yes” when asked if they had ever seriously thought about killing themselves. Youth are not alone in this.
According to that same report, suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in our state (and the second leading cause of death for those aged 15 to 34).
With the month of September designated as Suicide Prevention Month and September 10th designated as World Suicide Prevention Day, it is an appropriate time to review some of the wellbeing and mental health resources available to you as well as some of the action steps we can all take to help prevent suicide.
First of all, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you or someone you know is in need of immediate assistance. You can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org/chat. This free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
Kansans working in agriculture may also benefit from the resources available at KansasAgStress.org. This webpage has a list of resources compiled to help Kansas farmers, ranchers, and their families with their wellbeing.
In addition to being aware of available resources, what else can we do to help prevent suicide this month and beyond?
According to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, we can all take action by talking about suicide and following up with loved ones.
#BeThe1To is the Lifeline’s five-step message for communicating with someone who may be suicidal.
The five #BeThe1To steps are: Ask, Be There, Keep Them Safe, Help Them Connect, and Follow Up. Start by asking if they are thinking about suicide. Listen to their answers, while never promising to keep their thoughts of suicide a secret. Secondly, be there for them. Next, help keep them safe by putting time and distance between the individual and their chosen method for a suicide attempt. Help them connect with ongoing supports (such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline as well as resources in their community). Finally, follow up to see how they are doing.
While this is a brief overview, you can learn more about these five crucial steps at bethe1to.com.
Drought and Heat Stress Continues to Affect Trees and Shrubs
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District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Rainfall across the Southwind District has been spotty at best for several weeks now. The US Drought Monitor was recently updated on August 25th. It now has most of the area in a D2 intensity – classified as a severe drought. Unfortunately, the long-range projection doesn’t show the drought breaking anytime soon. As Kansans, however, we all know that could change and we could go from a drought to a flood in the matter of a few days! I’m not hoping for rainfall like that, but several inches in the up-coming weeks would be welcome.
Heat and drought stress has taken a toll on newly planted trees and shrubs this year. Any time we plant a new tree, it will go through a period of “transplant shock.” Just like the name implies, this is a period of stress on the new plant as it tries to adapt to its new environment. Many times, new trees will drop almost all of their leaves the first year planted. Due to the heat and lack of rainfall this year, it has been more severe. Obviously, this is quite concerning to homeowners. The good news is that in most instances, the newly planted tree will be fine and leaf out the following spring.
However, as we continue to remain in a drought situation, careful attention needs to be paid to any new trees or shrubs that were planted this spring. Here are watering recommendations:
- Water should be retained around the base of the newly planted trees by building a low berm just outside the planting hole.
- Soak soil weekly – applying approximately 10 gallons of water
- For every inch of trunk diameter greater than two inches, an additional ten gallon should be applied.
- Monitor trees even into the winter as supplemental watering will still be needed if drought remains
As for shrubs, since they are smaller, they will require less water. Water enough to thoroughly moisten the entire rootball, down to a depth of 8 inches – about once a week.
To reduce the stress on our older, mature trees, concentrate on good watering – not just a quick shot here and there. As long as we remain in a drought, water older trees to a depth of at least 10 inches. Make certain to water out beyond the drip line. Avoid watering at the base of the trunk as the absorbing roots are farther out. Check the watering depth by pushing a screwdriver or metal rod into the soil. It will stop when it reaches dry soil.
If you have concerns about the health of a tree or shrub, please feel free to contact me. I am available to make home visits if needed.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Agricultural agent assigned to Southwind District. She may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
SOUTHWIND 4-H MEMBERS WIN 2 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
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4-H members from the Southwind Extension District excelled at the annual Kansas 4-H Livestock Sweepstakes event on August 20-21 in Kansas State University’s Weber Hall. Participants from the Southwind Extension District were Leah Mueller, Emery Yoho, Byron Fry, Kristy Beene, Carly Dreher, Tate Crystal, Kyser Nemecek, Aidan Yoho, Haleigh O’Brien, Gwen Fry and Brady Hurt. The Southwind District is especially proud that 4-H members represented 4-H Clubs from Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson Counties.
4-H members learned gained new knowledge and worked on livestock skills in order to be competitive in the Sweepstakes event which consisted blending scores in four contests. Southwind Extension District completed the weekend by being named the 2022 Champion and 6th Overall Kansas State 4-H Sweepstakes Teams. Top ten individual Sweepstakes winners for Southwind were Aidan Yoho, 3rd and Tate Crystal 10th after excelling in all contests.
The Livestock Quiz Bowl started with a qualifying exam. The twelve teams with the highest average scores advanced to the quiz bowl competition. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Crystal, Dreher, Nemecek) was seated second after the test and was later named the Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team. Southwind #1 (O’Brien, E. Yoho, G. Fry, Mueller) earned 3rd best team.
The Livestock Judging contest consisted of nine judging classes and four sets of reasons with 228 contestants and 43 teams from across Kansas. Southwind #2 (A. Yoho, Dreher, Crystal, Nemecek) was 4th in Sheep; 2nd in Hogs; 1st in Cattle and 1st in Reasons and named Third Team Overall. Southwind #1 (E. Yoho, O’Brien, Hurt, Mueller) was 3rd in Sheep; 3rd in Hogs; 5th in Cattle; 5th in Reasons and named Fifth High Team Overall. Individual livestock judging results are as follows:
- Haleigh O’Brien – 8th Sheep
- Carly Dreher – 7th Sheep; 8th Hogs; 5th Reasons; 7th Overall
- Brady Hurt – 3rd Sheep; 9th Hogs; 8th Overall
- Kyser Nemecek – 7th Hogs; 4th Beef; 2nd Reasons; 6th Overall
- Tate Crystal – 6th Hogs
- Leah Mueller – 4th Hogs
- Aidan Yoho – 19th Overall
The Meats Judging contest was based on identification of thirty retail cuts, six placings classes and three sets of reasons. Southwind #2 (Crystal, B. Fry, G. Fry, A Yoho) was 1st in Placings, 9th in Reasons, 2nd in Retail ID and Third Team Overall. Individual meats judging results are as follows:
- Byron Fry – 5th Placings
- Aidan Yoho – 7th Identification; 10th Overall
- Gwen Fry – 8th Placings; 10th Identification; 8th Overall
- Carly Dreher – 9th Placings
In the Livestock Skillathon, 4-H members rotated individually through stations that addressed six areas of animal science. Those included feedstuffs, breed identification, equipment identification, meat identification, wool evaluation and a written test. There was also a team component where members worked together on evaluating quality assurance protocols, and judging wool. Southwind #2 (Crystal, Dreher, O’Brien, A. Yoho) was 2nd in Exam, 1st in ID; and Champion Team Overall. Individual Skillathon results are as follows:
- Aidan Yoho – 1st Identification; 10th Exam; High Individual Overall
- Tate Crystal – 3rd Identification; 3rd Overall
- Haleigh O’Brien – 9th Overall; 7th Exam
This group worked hard and studied a great deal of material to prepare for four state contests. To be named the Champion Skillathon Team, Reserve Champion Quiz Bowl Team, 3rd & 5th Overall Livestock Judging Teams, and Overall Champion Sweepstakes Team at the state contests shows how hard these 4-H members pushed each other to “Make the Best Better.” The Southwind District is proud of their accomplishments and look forward to future growth and learning.
Southwind District 4-H’ers Win Intermediate Kansas 4-H Meat Judging Contest
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Southwind District 4-H’ers won the Intermediate Kansas 4-H Meat Judging Contest held at Weber Hall on the campus of Kansas State University in Manhattan. The intermediate participants were Hailey Shadden, Kendyl Bloesser, MaKinlee Bloesser, Marley Sutton, McKinley Sutton and Seth Shadden.
The contest classes consisted of 30 retail cut identification; 3 classes of pork wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; 3 classes of beef wholesale/primal-subprimal/retail cuts; and 2 sets of 5 questions.
Results for the 4-H’ers are as follows:
Team: High Team Overall, High Team Retail ID, 2nd High Team Placings, 2nd High Team Questions
Hailey Shadden: High Individual Overall, 2nd High individual Retail ID, 7th High Individual Placings, 9th High Individual Questions
Kendyl Bloesser: 2nd High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Retail ID, 5th High Individual Questions, 8th High Individual Placings
Makinlee Bloesser: 5th High Individual Overall, 3rd High Individual Placing, 5th High Individual Retail ID
Marley Sutton: 7th High Individual Overall, 4th High Individual Retail ID
McKinley Sutton: 11th High Individual Overall, 9th High Individual Retail ID
Seth Shadden: 26th Individual Overall
This group of 4-H’ers tried the contest last year and were 5th. As you can see, their hard work this year definitely paid off. Congratulations to our Southwind 4-H’ers.
Starlite FCE August 2022 Minutes
The August meeting of Starlite FCE was held at the Yeager Building on the Bourbon County Fairgrounds. President Glenda Miller called the meeting to order and led the club in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and the Club Collect. Ten members were in attendance and reported that they had volunteered for 236 hours, and had recycled 160 pounds since their last meeting.
Thank you, letters were read from Betty Johnson, Byron Fry and ShowMe Christian Youth Home. Glenda Miller acknowledged Delphine Parks and Jackie Warren’s birthdays. Doris Ericson gave the treasurer’s report and announced that the Bake Sale at the Fair had raised $285.00 to go toward the scholarship fund. Doris also announced that our club had won the hay bale decorating contest and received third in the scarecrow contest.
Before the meeting the members filled gift bags with snack foods to be presented to the Police department, Fire department, Sheriff department, the EMT’s, the ER and the walk-in clinic personnel. They also signed cards thanking them for their service to our community. Members also signed cards for Deb Lust and Nolene Whiteside.
Glenda Miller reported on the highlights from the Flash newsletter and announced that election of officers would be in January. It was also announced that dues are due in October.
Doris Ericson moved the meeting be adjourned, Letha Johnson seconded the motion, meeting adjourned.
After the meeting Karen Peery presented the lesson Advanced Wishes to the members. Karen had also prepared a display, that was in the Meyers building during the fair. The display contained forms for people to take home and fill out to have their lasts wishes on record. One hundred forms were distributed.
Refreshments prepared by Karen Peery, Betty Johnson and Glenda Miller consisting of parfaits, caramel corn, chocolate dessert, mints and water were enjoyed by the all.
Prepared by
Terri Williams
Fall Control of Sericea Lespedeza
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District Extension Agent, Crop production and Forage Management
Southwind District
210 S. National
Fort Scott, Kansas 66701
Office: 620-223-3720
Cell: 308-991-8415
[email protected]
Sericea Lespedeza is labeled as a noxious weed by the state of Kansas.
This means landowners are required by law to control the weed. In the Southwind District, landowners and
producers continue to fight this weed on rangeland, pasture, and small acreages.
There are multiple herbicides and cultural practices that can help control sericea, but proper timing is
very important. Our district has experienced below average rainfall most of the summer, and producers that usually target sericea in June with Tricoplyr likely weren’t able to make their applications, or their applications may not have been effective. August and September offer a second chance at controlling this tough weed.
The month of August, and into early September offer a great chance at controlling sericea while it is actively blooming.
Targeting the plant while it blooms not only kills the top
growth of the weed, but it also prevents the plants from producing a viable seed.
As many landowners have figured out, sericea is a prolific seed producer. A single stem can produce upwards of 1500 seeds, equating to over 300 pounds of seed per acre in pure
stands of sericea. With this many seeds being added to the soil’s seedbank, killing off existing plants will only provide space for new seeds to germinate, so keeping this plant from producing
seed is vital in achieving good control and eradicating the weed species.
Herbicides containing metsulfuron are recommended while sericea is blooming.
Recommended rates for broadcast spraying commonly found herbicides are: 0.5 oz/acre Escort XP, 0.625 oz/acre Cimarron Plus, and 2.5 to 3 oz/acre Chaparral. All herbicides containing
metsulfuron should be mixe with a non–ionic surfactant (NIS).
For producers looking to spot spray sericea, a tank mix of Escort + a NIS can achieve good control: 1.0 oz Escort + 1 qt NIS in 100 gal water, or 5 grams Escort + 1.5 floz NIS in 5 gal water. Adding .5 fl oz PastureGard HL per gallon tank mix can increase control.
Burning sericea lespedeza in the fall is gaining interest across the state. Where herbicide applications can cost upwards of $20 per acre, burning pastures can cost around $0.20 per acre.
Burning sericea while it is blooming or developing its seed in late–August to mid–September can remove top growth, and prevent the plant from producing a viable seed.
Burning sericea can be a challenge for producers. In the Southwind district, tall fescue is the dominant species, and is actively growing in August and September. It is often stockpiled
for late fall and winter grazing. In these situations, burning is not recommended.
Burning is recommended in non–ag situations, native pastures, and in pure stands of sericea. If properly done, patches of pure stands of sericea can be burned in fescue pastures,
but the risk of the fire spreading is always there.
Burning also will cause scarification on the existing sericea seeds in the soil and cause them to germinate, often appearing to make the situation worse.
Top Tips for Safe Home Canning
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By Clara Wicoff
Southwind Extension District
Canning season is in full swing, which makes it the perfect time to review tips for safe home canning! According to the CDC, home canned vegetables are the top cause of botulism outbreaks. Botulism can be fatal, so it is essential to follow these tips from the K-State Research and Extension Rapid Response Center to ensure the safety of all who consume your home canned food! If you fail to follow these tips, you will be playing a dangerous game of food safety roulette.
First, it is of the utmost importance to use reliable, tested recipes from sources such as K-State Research and Extension, the National Center for Home Food Preservation, and the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning. Using recipes from untested sources (such as internet websites, social media, and even old recipes from family members) can lead to a high risk of foodborne illness. Safe home canning starts with a reliable recipe which has been tested for safety.
Next, be sure to use the proper processing equipment. Only use a pressure canner for low-acid foods like vegetables, vegetable mixtures, red meats, wild game meats, poultry, seafood, and fish. High-acid foods (like fruits, sweet spreads, pickled products, tomatoes, salsa, and some tomato products) can be canned in a water bath canner.
When it comes to tomatoes, note that they are on the borderline between a low-acid and a high-acid food. Therefore, they must be acidified before being processed through either boiling water or pressure canning. To see specific acidification recommendations, visit bit.ly/AcidifyTomatoes.
You should also adjust for altitude. Failing to do this can cause your food to be underprocessed, which creates a risk of botulism. Recipes from reliable resources are often written for those processing at altitudes below 1,000 feet. Be aware of the altitude where you are processing food and what adjustments need to be made.
Other tips include ensuring you have adequate headspace in jars; not canning in an oven, dishwasher, or electric pressure cooker; following the proper processing time from tested recipes; only using common self-sealing lids once; and never modifying tested recipes to add any other ingredient.
Following these tips may just save your life! For more information, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or 620-365-2242.
Trees and Shrub Watering Guidelines
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District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
According to the drought monitor, all of the counties of the Southwind Extension District are in a moderate drought. Unfortunately, in looking at the drought forecast, it doesn’t look like we will be out of this pattern anytime soon either. If you haven’t been supplemental watering trees and shrubs, you need to be – especially any that were newly planted this spring.
Newly planted or young trees and shrubs often don’t survive the first year because of improper watering. Proper watering throughout the first growing season often means the difference between success and failure.
Water should be retained around the base of the newly planted trees by building a low berm just outside the planting hole. A weekly soaking to apply approximately 10 gallons of water should be sufficient to support spring or summer planted trees and shrubs on most sites. Larger balled and burlaped or spade-dug trees will require more water. For every inch of trunk diameter greater than two inches, an additional ten gallon should be applied. In the absence of rainfall, continue watering newly planted deciduous trees and shrubs until their leaves fall. Evergreens should be watered until the soil freezes.
It is easy to overwater and keep the soil excessively wet and cause a different set of problems. Over watering can cause “wet wilt” which looks similar to wilt caused by dryness. When soil stays wet for an extended time, root damage can occur due to oxygen depletion. As a result, leaves wilt and do not recover, even if water is added.
During the second and third growing seasons after planting, supplemental water every 10 to 14 days if it doesn’t rain and soil moisture indicates a need. Check moisture with a trowel, rod, screwdriver or probe.
With established trees and shrubs, supplemental watering should be done during periods of drought. Trees that have been planted for three to five years will benefit from deep, regular watering. But the interval can be extended to two to three weeks between applications.
Check the soil moisture and use it as a guide. Soak the soil to a minimum depth of 12 inches, out to and beyond the drip line, every three to four weeks if it doesn’t rain significantly. Avoid watering established trees at the base of the trunk because the absorbing roots are further out. Shrubs should also be watered so the soil is moistened to a depth of 8 to 12 inches every couple of weeks.
Water can be applied through a soaker hose or by allowing a pencil thin stream of water from a garden hose to soak the ground. Water lances or “root feeders” are not as suitable as applying to the surface because they can actually introduce the water deeper than where the surface feeding roots are located.
If you have trees or shrubs that are not looking good, give me a call and a home visit can be scheduled to evaluate the problem.
Krista Harding is a K-State Research and Extension Horticulture agent assigned to Southwind District and may be reached at [email protected] or 620-244-3826.
K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Master Gardener Training Offered This Fall
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District Extension Agent, Horticulture
Southwind Extension District
111 S. Butler
Erie, KS 66733
Office: 620-244-3826
Cell: 620-496-8786
Kansas State University’s Extension Master Gardener program will be offered this fall. Applications are being accepted until August 10th. The training class will begin September 1st and run through December 15th. Classes will be a combination of on-line and in-person sessions held on Thursday afternoon’s from 1-4 pm. The in-person classes will be held at the Extension office in Iola. The Master Gardener training consists of 50 hours of instruction in all aspects of horticulture. Instructors include state specialists from Kansas State University. Once certified as an Extension Master Gardener, participants are asked to donate time in their community to help others learn more about gardening and horticulture.
Applications are available on the Southwind Extension District website – southwind.ksu.edu or they can be e-mailed to you. The fee for the course is $125. For more information, please e-mail [email protected] or call 620-244-3826.
Food Safety for Back to School Month
By Clara Wicoff
Southwind Extension District
It’s hard to believe that August is almost here already! With the month of August comes the start of a new school year. For this reason, August has been appropriately designated as “Back to School Month.” As you start to think about buying school supplies and taking other steps to prepare for the start of a new school year, it is important to also think about food safety.
For families that pack their lunches, there are some important steps to follow to ensure the food packed in lunch boxes is safe for children to consume. In order for food to be safe in the lunch box, it must start out safe. As with any time you are preparing food, the first step is to wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least twenty seconds before preparing any food. Additionally, use hot water and soap to clean food preparation surfaces and utensils.
Next, it is important to think about the specific items you are packing. For example, if you are packing any fruits or vegetables, they must be rinsed with running water and blotted dry with a paper towel before being packed. These are perishable items, so they must also be chilled to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Other perishable items (such as sandwiches) should also be chilled. You should pack two cold sources with perishable foods to keep them cool inside an insulated lunch tote. Two examples of these cold sources are a small frozen gel pack and a frozen juice box. Note that frozen gel packs are not recommended for day-long storage. In addition to keeping cold foods cold, it is also important to keep hot foods hot.
For more helpful food safety information from the Partnership for Food Safety Education, visit www.fightbac.org/kidsfoodsafety/school-lunches. If you have questions, please contact Clara Wicoff, Nutrition, Food and Health Extension Agent, at [email protected] or by calling 620-365-2242.